One of the most intriguing baseball betting options is the “run first inning” market, where you can wager on whether there will be a scorer plated in the opening frame.
With two potent offenses facing off in tonight’s NL West duel between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, my MLB picks expect early fireworks.
Check out the rest of my free NRFI and YRFI bets for Friday, March 27.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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- NRFI
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- YRFI
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- YRFI
Rockies at Marlins: NRFI (-125)
The Colorado Rockies have the worst offense in the majors, especially on the road, where they posted a pathetic .589 OPS and averaged just 2.81 runs per game last year.
Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins had a .693 OPS with 3.91 runs per game at home. Neither team has made significant lineup upgrades, and 10 mph winds are blowing toward the infield at LoanDepot Park tonight.
Miami is handing the ball to former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, who struggled last season coming off Tommy John surgery. Now two and a half years removed from the procedure, he could be in line for a resurgent campaign.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Marlins.TV | Rockies.TV
Angels at Astros: YRFI (-102)
Although Houston Astros righty Mike Burrows looked good in the preseason, I’m not convinced he’s a true No. 2 starter.
Burrows posted a 4.33 xERA last year, and the Los Angeles Angels ranked third in the majors in first-inning scoring percentage (33.3%). The Halos lack depth, but they’re strong at the top of the lineup — at least when Mike Trout is healthy.
L.A. will counter with lefty Yusei Kikuchi, who had a 4.48 xERA last year and sported a 6.00 ERA in the first inning. The Astros hit well against lefties, and with a healthy Yordan Alvarez back in the lineup, they should be more productive offensively this season.
- Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Apple TV
Dodgers at Diamondbacks: YRFI (-113)
These were two of the most productive offenses in the majors last year, with the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the NL in OPS (.768) and the Arizona Diamondbacks sitting third (.758).
L.A.’s murderers’ row has gotten even stronger after adding Kyle Tucker. Meanwhile, the top of the D-Backs’ lineup remains formidable with Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, and Ketel Marte.
Arizona is starting Ryne Nelson, who posted a 3.93 xERA last year and ranked in the bottom fifth percentile in average exit velocity.
- Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MLB Network
What is a NRFI bet?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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